It is said that the Buddha taught more than 84,000 methods to attain true peace and freedom from suffering. Of these teachings, only 5% have been translated into modern languages. Due to the rapid decline in knowledge of classical languages and in the number of qualified scholars, we are in danger of losing this cultural heritage and spiritual legacy.

84000: Translating the Words of the Buddha, a registered global non-profit initiative, aims to translate all of the Buddha’s words into modern languages, and to make them available to everyone, free of charge.

Our Vision

100 years

To provide universal access to the Buddhist literary heritage translated into modern languages.

25 years

To make all of the Kangyur and related volumes of the Tengyur available in English, and provide widespread accessibility in multiple platforms.

10 years

To make a significant portion of the Kangyur and complementary Tengyur texts available in English, and easily accessible in multiple platforms.

5 years

To make a representative sample of the Kangyur and Tengyur available in English, and establish the infrastructure and resources necessary to accomplish the long-term vision.

Scope of Our Work

84000’s primary focus will be the Tibetan texts included in the Kangyur and Tengyur (the translation of canonical texts from Pali and Chinese being the province of other organisations).

Our main efforts will be commissioning translations of these texts, particularly those that have not yet been translated. In the initial phase of the project, the emphasis will be on translation into English. Other modern languages, including Chinese, will be included when resources are available.

Translations will be made according to broad, consensual guidelines. Where possible, the translations will be aimed at an educated but non-specialist readership, providing the clear and comprehensive detail required by both scholars and practitioners. Brief introductions, notes, bibliographies, glossaries and other reference material will be included with each text.

After expert review, the translations will be published in the online reading room, free of charge. The online reading room database will provide access to 84000’s translations as they become available, and will reference other existing translations. Print editions will be made available if funding permits.